Improving quality and promoting research in Cambodian higher education: Challenges and directions for reform

Abstract

Cambodian higher education has experienced noticeable developments over the past few decades, particularly in quantitative terms such as infrastructure improvement and student enrollment. Despite the progress, key challenges, such as skills mismatches, limited research engagement, and political interference, continue to confront the higher education sector. Recognizing the need to address the issues and challenges impeding the quality of education provision and research development in Cambodian higher education, this article proposes three key directions for higher education reform to enhance quality and promote research. The article first discusses key challenges inhibiting the quality of education and the development of research in the sector. It then provides a summary of key recommendations that have been put forward by previous research on higher education and research development in Cambodia. After that, the article proposes three directions for reform, focusing on (a) addressing the issue of fragmented higher education governance, (b) improving teaching and learning approaches and assessment practices, and (c) promoting independent learning and research engagement. The article concludes that Cambodia needs to introduce the much-needed reform to its higher education to improve the sector’s quality and promote research, which are essential for achieving the country’s long-term development vision. Suggestions for future research are also discussed to provide research directions on this important topic.